THE FIRST STEP IN THE PADI PROFESSIONAL DIVING PATH
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI)
Training Description
The Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) course is the second stage of the Instructor Development Course (IDC) and provides direct preparation for the Instructor Examination (IE).
OWSI develops and validates teaching competencies acquired at the Assistant Instructor level. Participants learn to independently plan, conduct, and evaluate complete diving courses in accordance with PADI standards. After completing the OWSI and passing the IE exam, the candidate earns PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor status, which grants them full certification to teach recreational PADI courses.
After completing the OWSI and passing the IE, the participant is certified to teach courses for the following levels:
· Open Water Diver (OWD),
· Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD),
· Rescue Diver (RD),
· Divemaster (DM),
· certifying students within PADI recreational specialty programs (after passing additional exams for MSDT specialty programs).
The instructor operates independently or within a dive center and assumes full civil and educational responsibility. The OWSI is the point at which the candidate transitions from partial responsibility to a full instructor role. The course teaches not only how to properly transfer knowledge but also how to manage the entire training process – from lesson planning to assessment and certification.
Typically 5-6 days (part of OWSI within IDC), preceded by your own work with extensive training materials, culminating in an IE exam conducted by a team of PADI examiners.
Typically 5-6 days (part of OWSI within IDC), preceded by your own work with extensive training materials, culminating in an IE exam conducted by a team of PADI examiners.
Typically 5-6 days (part of OWSI within IDC), preceded by your own work with extensive training materials, culminating in an IE exam conducted by a team of PADI examiners.
Typically 5-6 days (part of OWSI within IDC), preceded by your own work with extensive training materials, culminating in an IE exam conducted by a team of PADI examiners.
Typically 5-6 days (part of OWSI within IDC), preceded by your own work with extensive training materials, culminating in an IE exam conducted by a team of PADI examiners.
Typically 5-6 days (part of OWSI within IDC), preceded by your own work with extensive training materials, culminating in an IE exam conducted by a team of PADI examiners.
Typically 5-6 days (part of OWSI within IDC), preceded by your own work with extensive training materials, culminating in an IE exam conducted by a team of PADI examiners.
Theory
The theoretical section covers:
· PADI standards and procedures,
· recreational course structure,
· adult teaching methodology,
· assessment of student knowledge and skills,
· risk management and instructor responsibility
Practice
Practical sessions include:
· conducting theoretical presentations,
· demonstrating and assessing skills in confined water,
· conducting open water sessions,
· simulating problems and emergency situations.
The exercises are conducted according to the IE exam format.
Responsibility and role of the instructor
A PADI instructor is fully responsible for the safety of students and compliance with course standards.
The course clearly defines:
· the extent of independence,
· legal responsibility,
· the need to maintain documentation,
· the obligation to work in accordance with the PADI system.
FAQ
Further training on the professional path
The standard professional path after obtaining full instructor certification is as follows:
[AI → OWSI] → MSDT → IDC Staff Instructor
Successive levels increase:
· scope of certifications,
· professional independence,
· level of responsibility and role within the diving center.
Trips
Opportunities to participate in:
· instructor internships,
· internship and skills development programs,
· training trips as a staff member,
· seasonal projects at diving centers in Poland and abroad.
This is the best way to quickly build experience in real-world working conditions as an instructor.
